Single-Session Treatment: Gallstones (LC) and Bile Duct Stones (ERCP)

When a patient has stones in two locations—the gallbladder and the common bile duct—traditional treatment requires two separate procedures. This means the patient must prepare twice and undergo general anesthesia twice.

Today, our skilled specialists can perform Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) for gallbladder stones and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for bile duct stones simultaneously in a single session.

This combined approach is ideal for patients whose bile duct stones are not larger than 1 cm, with a success rate exceeding 90%.

Advantages of the Single-Session Approach:

Single preparation and single round of anesthesia.
Minimal scarring due to very small incisions.
Reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery.
Shorter overall hospital stay.

ERCP and LC Combined Procedure Illustration

Treatment Steps: Combined LC + ERCP

Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
Gallbladder Stone Removal (LC): The surgeon performs laparoscopic surgery by making one 1-cm incision at the navel for the camera and two 0.5-cm incisions for surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder.
Bile Duct Stone Removal (ERCP): While the patient is still anesthetized, the physician inserts an endoscope through the mouth, down to the small intestine where the bile duct opens. Contrast dye is injected, and X-rays are taken. A balloon or small wire basket is then used to retrieve the stones from the bile duct, allowing them to pass naturally through the digestive tract. A final X-ray confirms the duct is clear.
Duration: The total combined procedure takes approximately 2 hours.
Recovery: After 2 hours in the recovery room, the patient is moved to a private room. A hospital stay of about 4 days is typical for observation before being discharged.

Post-operative care and imaging

Preparation for LC + ERCP

Stop all antiplatelet or blood-thinning medications 7 days before the procedure.
Fast from all food and water for at least 6 hours.
Inform the medical team of any underlying conditions, or allergies to seafood, iodine, or contrast media.

Post-Procedure Care

Stick to a soft, mild diet and avoid hot foods for at least 2–3 days. Some abdominal bloating is normal and will resolve on its own. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, extreme bloating, shortness of breath, or fever.